Game call

ABSTRACT

A game call includes a thermoplastic body having a front edge with a cutout formed therein. An insert having a flexible diaphragm stretched across an open-ended frame is disposed in the cutout. The game call may be manufactured by providing a blank of thermoplastic material with a central cutout. The insert is placed on one half of the bank, and the other half of the blank is folded over to trap the insert. The halves of the blank are bonded to each other with heat and pressure or an adhesive.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a game call, particularly a game callintended to be held in a user's mouth. Many different types of gamecalls are used to produce sounds to attract game animals. One type ofgame call comprises a flexible diaphragm stretched across an open-endedframe. The call is placed against the roof of the user's mouth and thenvarious techniques may be used to produce appropriate sounds by forcingair across the diaphragm.

[0002] Because the diaphragm and the frame holding it are typically asmall fraction of the size of the user's mouth, some means of retainingthe call in the user's mouth is required. A commonly used method is tosandwich the edge of the frame between two layers of tape such as thekind used to secure bandages. Unfortunately, this tape does not staymolded to the shape of the user's mouth, causing discomfort.Furthermore, this tape becomes unsightly and unsanitary after use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a game callhaving a body which molds to the shape of a user's mouth so that it maybe comfortably held in the mouth.

[0004] It is another object of the invention to provide a game callconstructed of a material which may be cleaned without affecting itslongevity.

[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a method ofmanufacturing a game call from a thermoplastic material.

[0006] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionare achieved in the preferred embodiment disclosed below by providing agame call which comprises: a body having an outer thermoplastic portion,the body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of themouth while in a heated, moldable state and thereafter positioned andheld supralingually in the mouth during use, the body having a cutoutformed therein for facing outwardly towards the teeth when the body ispositioned in the mouth; and a flexible diaphragm positioned in thecutout under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled andexhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm forgenerating an audible oscillation.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thegame call includes a frame having an open end onto which the diaphragmis mounted.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thebody of the call comprises first and second blanks which are placed onopposite sides of the diaphragm so as to trap the diaphragmtherebetween.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thebody of the call comprises a single blank having a central openingformed therethrough. The blank is folded along a central fold line so asto define the cutout and first and second halves which trap the inserttherebetween.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thebody of the call comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a gamecall comprises: a body having an outer deformable portion, the bodysized and shaped for being received in the hard palate of the mouth andheld supralingually in the mouth during use, the body having a cutoutformed therein for facing outwardly towards the teeth when the body ispositioned in the mouth; and a flexible diaphragm positioned in thecutout under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled andexhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm forgenerating an audible oscillation.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of making a game call comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm;providing a blank of thermoplastic material having first and secondhalves disposed on opposite sides of a central fold line, and an openingformed through the center thereof; placing the diaphragm on the firsthalf of the blank so that the insert overlies said opening; folding thesecond half of the blank over the diaphragm and the first half such thatthe diaphragm is trapped between the first and second halves; and thefirst and second halves to each other.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thefirst and second halves are bonded to each other with an adhesive.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thefirst and second halves are bonded to each other by applying heat andpressure to the halves.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, theblank includes a central member extending between opposite edges of theopening along the fold line.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, themethod includes removing the central member after bonding the halves toeach other.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thediaphragm is mounted in an open-ended frame which is received by thebody.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized andshaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, the bodyincluding a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein,comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm; providing a first blank ofthermoplastic material having a cutout formed in a front edge thereof;providing a second blank of thermoplastic material having a cutoutformed in a front edge thereof; placing the diaphragm on the first blankso that the cutout; and placing the second blank over the diaphragm andthe first half such that the diaphragm is trapped between the first andsecond halves. The first and second halves are bonded to each other.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized andshaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, the bodyincluding a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein,comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm providing a first blank ofthermoplastic material having a cutout formed in a front edge thereof;providing a second blank of thermoplastic material having a cutoutformed in a front edge thereof; placing the diaphragm on the first blankso that the diaphragm overlies cutout; placing; and placing the secondblank over diaphragm and the first half such that the diaphragm istrapped between the first and second blanks. The first and second halvesare bonded to each other.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized andshaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said bodyincluding a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein,comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm; and providing a blank ofthermoplastic material, said blank including: a first half having afront edge with a cutout formed therein and a spaced-apart rear edge; asecond half having a front edge with a cutout formed therein and aspaced-apart rear edge; and a strap connecting the rear edges of thefirst and second halves. The diaphragm is placed on the first half sothat said diaphragm overlies said cutout and the strap is folded and thesecond blank is positioned over the diaphragm such that the diaphragm istrapped between said first and second halves. The first and secondhalves are bonded to each other.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized andshaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said bodyincluding a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein,comprises: molding a body of thermoplastic material having a front edgewith a cutout formed therein and a spaced-apart, curved rear edge;disposing a flexible diaphragm in the cutout; and bonding the diaphragmto the body.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thebody is injection molded.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of making a game call comprises: providing a flexible diaphragm;and molding a body of thermoplastic material which captures thediaphragm. The body has a front edge including a cutout which leaves thediaphragm exposed for vibration in response to moving air, and aspaced-apart, curved rear edge.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of fitting a game call to a user's mouth comprises: providing agame call comprising: a body having an outer thermoplastic portion, saidbody having a cutout formed therein for facing outwardly towards theteeth when the body is positioned in the mouth; and a flexible diaphragmpositioned in the cutout under a predetermined tension and in a planewherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of thediaphragm for generating an audible oscillation. The body is heated to aworking temperature at which the body material is moldable. The call isthen the placed in the user's mouth while the body is at the workingtemperature so that the outer portion is formed into a molded shapeconforming to the hard palate of the mouth. The body is subsequentlycooled such that said outer portion remains in the molded shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention isparticularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding partof the specification. The invention, however, may be best understood byreference to the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing figures in which:

[0026]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game call constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 2A is a top view of a blank for use in constructing a gamecall in accordance with the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 2B is a side view of the blank of FIG. 2A;

[0029]FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a the blank of FIG. 2A;

[0030]FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an assembly procedure using theblank of FIG. 2A;

[0031]FIG. 2E is another perspective view of the assembly procedureusing the blank of FIG. 2A;

[0032]FIG. 2F is a side view of the assembly procedure using the blankof FIG. 2A;

[0033]FIG. 2G is a top view of a completed game call;

[0034]FIG. 2H is a perspective view of a completed game call;

[0035]FIG. 2I is a side view of a completed game call;

[0036]FIG. 3A is a top view of an alternative blank for use inconstructing a game call in accordance with the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 3A;

[0038]FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an assembly procedure using theblank of FIG. 3A;

[0039]FIG. 3D is a perspective view of a completed game call;

[0040]FIG. 4A is a top view of another alternative blank for use inconstructing a game call in accordance with the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 4B is a side view of the blank of FIG. 4A;

[0042]FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 4A;

[0043]FIG. 4D is a perspective view of an assembly procedure using theblank of FIG. 4A;

[0044]FIG. 4E is a perspective view of an assembly procedure using theblank of FIG. 4A;

[0045]FIG. 4F is another perspective view of an assembly procedure usingthe blank of FIG. 4A;

[0046]FIG. 4G is a perspective view of a completed game call;

[0047]FIG. 5A is a top view of an alternative arrangement of blanks forconstructing a game call in accordance with the present invention;

[0048]FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of an assembly procedureusing the blanks of FIG. 5A;

[0049]FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a completed game call; and

[0050]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a game call constructed inaccordance with the present invention after is it molded to fit a user'smouth.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

[0051] Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numeralsdenote the same elements throughout the various views, FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary game call 10 constructed in accordance with thepresent invention. The particular example illustrated is of a turkeycall, but the principles of the invention are equally applicable tocalls for other animals that use a diaphragm held in the mouth. Theillustrated call 10 comprises an insert 12 received in a body 14. Thebody 14 includes an outer portion 15 around its periphery. Referring toFIG. 2D, the insert comprises a flexible diaphragm 16 received in arigid frame 18, which may be constructed of a metal alloy such as steelor aluminum. It is also possible that the diaphragm 16 may be disposedin the body 14 without the use of a frame. The diaphragm 16 is held in aknown fashion under a predetermined tension and in a plane whereininhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of thediaphragm for generating an audible oscillation. The call 10 isgenerally planar and has a front edge 20 and a spaced-apart curved rearedge 22. A cutout 24 is formed in the front edge 20 which accommodatesthe diaphragm 16. The cutout 24 may be formed after the body 14 of thecall 10 by cutting a section of material out of the body 14, or it couldbe a concave area already formed in the body 14, as described below.

[0052] The body 14 of the call 10 comprises a material which is capableof deforming to fit the user's mouth, while retaining its basic shapeand not being uncomfortably rigid. The material must be hygienic andsafe for use in a person's mouth, and is preferably is of the typeintended for contact with food, which may be cleaned without losing itsstructural integrity. The call 10 may be constructed of a thermoplasticmaterial and custom-molded to the shape of the user's mouth before use,and accordingly the body material should have a softening temperaturelow enough that it can be molded to the user's mouth without causingburns. The term “thermoplastic” is used in its normal sense meaning amaterial which is capable of softening or fusing when heated to anappropriate working temperature and of hardening again when cooled. Anymaterial which meets the requirements noted above may be used to formthe body 14. One example of a suitable material is a 28 wt % vinylacetate copolymer sold under the designation LD-761 and available fromExxonMobil Corporation, Houston, Tex. 77079.

[0053]FIGS. 2A-2I illustrate a method of manufacturing the call 10. Ablank 26 is provided (see FIGS. 2A-2C) which is a generally planarmember of thermoplastic material. Any known method may be used to formthe blank 26, for example it may be cut from a larger sheet of materialor injection molded in a known fashion. In plan view the blank 26 isgenerally oblong and includes first and second halves 28 and 30 dividedby a central fold line “F”. Each half has a rounded edge which forms arear edge 32 of the completed call 10. An opening 34 is formed throughthe center of the blank. The blank 26 may optionally include notches 36which are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 2A, whose function isdescribed in more detail below.

[0054]FIGS. 2D-2H illustrate the assembly steps. First, an insert 12,described above, is placed on one half of the blank 26 (FIGS. 2D and2E). Then, the other half of the blank 26 is folded up and over theinsert 12 to cover and entrap the insert 12 between the two halves (seeFIG. 2F). After the second half 30 is folded over the two halves arebonded to each other, resulting in the finished call 10 shown in FIGS.2H and 2I. To accomplish the bonding, the entire body 14 may besubjected to heat and pressure to consolidate the halves into a singleunitary body. Alternatively, the two halves could be bonded to eachother with an appropriate adhesive. The body 14 of the illustrated call10 has a thickness “T” at its periphery of about 1.0 mm (0.040 in.) toabout 1.5 mm (0.060 in.); however the thickness is not critical and maybe varied to suit a particular application.

[0055] It is noted that the completed call 10 shown in FIG. 2H depicts apair of chamfered edges 38 formed at the outer corners of the front edge20. These chamfers are optional and serve to provide a better fit in auser's mouth and/or make the call more comfortable. These chamferededges 38 may be formed by cutting the corners off of the completed call10 as shown in FIG. 10. However, if desired, they may be formed byproviding a blank 26 which has notches formed therein (defined by dottedlined in FIG. 2A). When a blank 26 having these notches is folded overto capture the insert 12, the chamfered edges 38 will be present uponcompletion of the fold without additional cutting operations.

[0056]FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an alternative method of manufacturing acall. A blank 126 is provided which is a generally planar body ofthermoplastic material. Any known method may be used to form the blank126, as described above. The blank 126 is generally oblong and includesfirst and second halves 128 and 130. Each half has a front edge 20 witha cutout 24 formed therein and a spaced-apart, curved rear edge 22. Therear edges 22 of the halves are connected by a strap 123. The halves ofthe blank 126 may optionally include notches 136 which are indicated bydashed lines in FIG. 3A.

[0057]FIG. 3C illustrates the assembly process. First, an insert 12,described above, is placed on the first half of the blank 126. Then, thestrap 123 is folded over and second half 130 of the blank 126 is placedover the insert 12 to cover and entrap the insert 12 between the twohalves. After the second half 130 is folded over the two halves arebonded to each other, resulting in the finished call 10 shown in FIG.3D. To accomplish the bonding, the entire body 14 may be subjected toheat and pressure to consolidate the halves into a single unitary body.Alternatively, the two halves could be bonded to each other with anappropriate adhesive. The folded strap 123 may be used as a handle forfurther processing of the call 10. For example, it may be used to holdthe call 10 while it is heated for a molding process as described below.When the strap 123 is no longer needed it is cut off from the body 14and removed, as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0058] The completed call 10 shown in FIG. 3D depicts a pair ofchamfered edges 38 formed at the outer corners of the front edge 20.These chamfers 38 are optional and serve to provide a better fit in auser's mouth and to make the call more comfortable. These chamferededges 38 may be formed by cutting the corners off of the completed call10 as shown in FIG. 3D. However, if desired, the chamfered edges 38 maybe formed by providing a blank 126 which has notches formed therein(defined by dotted lines in FIG. 3A). When a blank 126 having thesenotches is folded over to capture the insert 12, the chamfered edges 38will be present upon completion of the fold without additional cuttingoperations.

[0059]FIGS. 4A-4G illustrate another alternative method of manufacturingthe call 10. A blank 226 is provided which is generally similar to theblank 226 described above (see FIGS. 4A-4C). In plan view the blank 226is generally oblong and includes first and second halves 228 and 230divided by a central fold line F. Each half has a rounded edge 232 whichforms a rear edge of the completed call. An opening 234 is formedthrough the center of the blank 226. A central member 235 extends acrossthe opening 234 from one edge to the opposite edge, along the fold line.The blank may optionally include notches 236 which are indicated bydashed lines in FIG. 2A.

[0060]FIGS. 4D-4G illustrate the assembly steps. First, an insert 12,described above, is placed on one half of the blank 226 (FIGS. 4D and4E). Then, the other half of the blank 226 is folded up and over theinsert 12 to cover and entrap the insert 12 between the two halves, alsocausing the central member to be folded over double (see FIG. 4F). Afterthe second half 230 is folded over the two halves are bonded to eachother, resulting in the finished call 10 shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G. Toaccomplish the bonding, the entire body 14 may be subjected to heat andpressure to consolidate the halves into a single unitary body.Alternatively, the two halves could be bonded to each other with anappropriate adhesive.

[0061] It is noted that the completed call 10 shown in FIG. 4F depicts apair of chamfered edges 38 formed at the outer corners of the front edge20. These chamfers 38 are optional and serve to provide a better fit ina user's mouth and/or make the call more comfortable. These chamferededges 38 may be formed by cutting the corners off of the completed call10 as shown in FIG. 10. However, if desired, they may be formed byproviding a blank 226 which has notches formed therein (defined bydotted lined in FIG. 4A). When a blank 226 having these notches isfolded over to capture the insert 12, the chamfered edges 38 will bepresent upon completion of the fold without additional cuttingoperations.

[0062] When the call 10 is completed, the folded central member 235extends across the front edge 20 of the call 10. This provides supportfor the cutout 24 and the diaphragm 16 during manufacture of the call10. This member 235 may also be used as a handle during the moldingprocess described below. The central member 235 is removed by cuttingwhen it is no longer needed, as shown in FIG. 4G.

[0063]FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate yet another alternative method ofmanufacturing the call 10. 326 and 327 are provided. Each of theseblanks is a generally planar body of thermoplastic material. Each blankhas a front edge 20 with a cutout 24 formed therein and a spaced-apart,curved rear edge 22. The blanks may optionally include chamfered edges38 as shown.

[0064]FIG. 5B illustrates the assembly steps. First, an insert 12,described above, is placed on the first blank 326 so that it overliesthe cutout 24. Then, the second blank 327 is placed over the first blank326 to cover and entrap the insert 12 between the two blanks.Subsequently, the two blanks are bonded to each other, resulting in thefinished call 10 shown in FIGS. 3D. To accomplish the bonding, theentire body 14 may be subjected to heat and pressure to consolidate thehalves into a single unitary body. Alternatively, the two blanks couldbe bonded to each other with an appropriate adhesive.

[0065] The completed call 10 shown in FIG. 3D depicts a pair ofchamfered edges 38 formed at the outer corners of the front edge 20.These chamfers are optional and serve to provide a better fit in auser's mouth and to make the call more comfortable. They may be formedas described above.

[0066] The call 10 may also be constructed by injection molding withoutusing individual blanks as described above. For example, a unitary ormulti-part mold of a known type (not shown) having the shape of the body14 (see FIG. 1) may be filled with molten thermoplastic material whichis allowed to cool and solidify. This may be done using an knowninjection molding process. The cutout 24 may then be formed in the frontedge 20 of the body 14. The insert 12 is then placed into the cutout 24and bonded to the body 14 with an adhesive or by the application of heatand pressure. Alternatively, the body 14 could be integrally moldedaround the insert 12, using an appropriate masking structure (not shown)to hold the insert 12 in place and prevent the thermoplastic materialfrom interfering with the diaphragm 16 during the molding process.Again, a known injection molding process may be used. This moldingprocess creates the cutout 24 which leaves the diaphragm 16 exposed soit may vibrate during use. It is also possible that the frame 18 may beeliminated and the diaphragm 16 molded directly into the body 14.

[0067] The call 10 may be molded or custom-fitted to the user's mouth asfollows. First, the call 10 is heated to soften the body 14, or at leastthe outer portion 15. This may be done by placing the call 10 in boilingwater. The time needed to heat the call 10 will vary depending upon thematerial used for the body 14 and the size and thickness of the body 14.For a body 14 of approximately 1.0 mm (0.040 in.) to about 1.5 mm (0.060in.) thickness as described above, a heating time of a few seconds maybe sufficient. The call 10 may then be placed in cold water or ice waterto reduce its surface temperature adequately so that the user's mouth isnot injured. During the heating and cooling process, the central member235, or strap 123, if present, may be used to hold the call 10. When thebody is appropriately softened, it is pressed against the roof of theuser's mouth, with its front edge facing forward. This causes the outerportion 15 of the body 14 to be pressed downward into a shape whichcomfortably fits the hard palate of the user's mouth. An example of acall 10 molded into shape is shown in FIG. 6. When the body 14 cools,because of its thermoplastic properties, it retains this shape. The call10 may then be used repeatedly. If a food-grade material is used, it maybe cleaned so as to avoid unpleasant appearance and odor and preventtransmission of disease. If the call 10 is too large or an inappropriateshape for the user's mouth, the body 14 may be trimmed or cut down insize before or after the molding steps described above.

[0068] To use the call 10, it is placed in the mouth against and heldsupralingually, i.e. above the tongue, with the cutout 24 facingoutwardly towards the teeth. Known techniques are then used to pass airis across an exposed surface of the diaphragm 16 for generating anaudible oscillation.

[0069] It is noted that the call 10 may also be manufactured with thebody 14 having a shape with bent-down edges suitable to fit in theuser's mouth as shown in FIG. 6, for example using the injection moldingprocess described above. While not resulting in a custom fit asdescribed above, this would eliminate the need to mold the call 10 tothe user's mouth.

[0070] A game call and a method for its manufacture is described above.Various details of the invention may be changed without departing fromits scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferredembodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing theinvention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not forthe purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A game call, comprising: a body having an outerthermoplastic portion, the body sized and shaped for being molded to thehard palate of the mouth while in a heated, moldable state andthereafter positioned and held supralingually in the mouth during use,the body having a cutout formed therein for facing outwardly towards theteeth when the body is positioned in the mouth; and a flexible diaphragmpositioned in the cutout under a predetermined tension and in a planewherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surface of thediaphragm for generating an audible oscillation.
 2. The game call ofclaim 1 further including a frame carried by the body, said frame havingan open end onto which said diaphragm is mounted.
 3. the game call ofclaim 1 wherein said body comprises first and second blanks which areplaced on opposite sides of said diaphragm so as to trap said diaphragmtherebetween.
 4. The game call of claim 1 wherein said body comprises asingle blank having a central opening formed therethrough, said blankbeing folded along a central fold line so as to define said cutout andfirst and second halves which trap said diaphragm therebetween.
 5. Thegame call of claim 1 wherein said body comprises a vinyl acetatecopolymer.
 6. A game call, comprising: a body having an outer deformableportion, said body sized and shaped for being received in the hardpalate of the mouth and held supralingually in the mouth during use,said body having a cutout formed therein for facing outwardly towardsthe teeth when the body is positioned in the mouth; and a flexiblediaphragm positioned in the cutout under a predetermined tension and ina plane wherein inhaled and exhaled air passes across an exposed surfaceof the diaphragm for generating an audible oscillation.
 7. The game callof claim 6 further including a frame carried by the body, said framehaving an open side onto which said diaphragm is mounted.
 8. A method ofmaking a game call having a thermoplastic body sized and shaped forbeing molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said body including acutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, said methodcomprising: providing a flexible diaphragm; providing a blank ofthermoplastic material having first and second halves disposed onopposite sides of a central fold line, and an opening formed through thecenter thereof; placing said diaphragm on said first half of said blankso that said diaphragm overlies said opening; folding said second halfof said blank over said diaphragm and said first half such that saiddiaphragm is trapped between said first and second halves; and bondingsaid first and second halves to each other.
 9. The method of making agame call of claim 8 wherein said first and second halves are bonded toeach other with an adhesive.
 10. The method of making a game call ofclaim 8 wherein said first and second halves are bonded to each other byapplying heat and pressure to said halves.
 11. The method of making agame call of claim 8 wherein said blank further includes a centralmember extending between opposite edges of said opening along said foldline.
 12. The method of making a game call of claim 8 further comprisingremoving said central member after bonding said halves to each other.13. The method of making a game call of claim 8 wherein saidthermoplastic material comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.
 14. Themethod of making a game call of claim 8 wherein said diaphragm ismounted in an open-ended frame which is received by said body.
 15. Amethod of making a game call having a thermoplastic body sized andshaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, said bodyincluding a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein, saidmethod comprising: providing a flexible diaphragm; providing a firstblank of thermoplastic material having a cutout formed in a front edgethereof; providing a second blank of thermoplastic material having acutout formed in a front edge thereof; placing said diaphragm on saidfirst blank so that said insert overlies said cutout; placing saidsecond blank over said diaphragm and said first half such that saiddiaphragm is trapped between said first and second blanks; and bondingsaid first and second blanks to each other.
 16. The method of making agame call of claim 15 wherein said first and second blanks are bonded toeach other with an adhesive.
 17. The method of making a game call ofclaim 15 wherein said first and second blanks are bonded to each otherby applying heat and pressure to said blanks.
 18. The method of making agame call of claim 15 wherein said thermoplastic material comprises avinyl acetate copolymer.
 19. The method of making a game call of claim16 wherein said diaphragm is mounted in an open-ended frame which isreceived by said body.
 20. A method of making a game call having athermoplastic body sized and shaped for being molded to the hard palateof the mouth, said body including a cutout which receives a flexiblediaphragm therein, said method comprising: providing a flexiblediaphragm; providing a blank of thermoplastic material, said blankincluding: a first half having a front edge with a cutout formed thereinand a spaced-apart rear edge; a second half having a front edge with acutout formed therein and a spaced-apart rear edge; and a strapconnecting said rear edges of said first and second halves; placing saiddiaphragm on said first half so that said diaphragm overlies saidcutout; folding said strap and positioning said second blank over saiddiaphragm and said first half such that said diaphragm is trappedbetween said first and second halves; and bonding said first and secondhalves to each other.
 21. The method of making a game call of claim 20wherein said first and second halves are bonded to each other with anadhesive.
 22. The method of making a game call of claim 20 wherein saidfirst and second halves are bonded to each other by applying heat andpressure to said halves.
 23. The method of making a game call of claim20 wherein said thermoplastic material comprises a vinyl acetatecopolymer.
 24. The method of making a game call of claim 20 wherein saiddiaphragm is mounted in an open-ended frame which is received by saidbody.
 25. A method of making a game call having a thermoplastic bodysized and shaped for being molded to the hard palate of the mouth, saidbody including a cutout which receives a flexible diaphragm therein,said method comprising: molding a body of thermoplastic material havinga front edge with a cutout formed therein and a spaced-apart, curvedrear edge; disposing a flexible diaphragm in said cutout; and bondingsaid diaphragm to said body.
 26. The method of making a game call ofclaim 25 wherein said diaphragm is bonded to said body with an adhesive.27. The method of making a game call of claim 25 wherein said diaphragmis bonded to said body by applying heat and pressure to said body. 28.The method of making a game call of claim 25 wherein said thermoplasticmaterial comprises a vinyl acetate copolymer.
 29. The method of making agame call of claim 25 wherein said body is injection molded.
 30. Themethod of making a game call of claim 25 wherein said diaphragm ismounted in an open-ended frame which is received by said body.
 31. Amethod of making a game call, comprising: providing a flexiblediaphragm; and molding a body of thermoplastic material which capturessaid diaphragm, said body having a front edge including a cutout whichleaves said diaphragm exposed for vibration in response to moving air,and a spaced-apart, curved rear edge.
 32. The method of making a gamecall of claim 31 wherein said thermoplastic material comprises a vinylacetate copolymer.
 33. The method of making a game call of claim 31wherein said body is injection molded.
 34. The method of making a gamecall of claim 31 wherein said diaphragm is mounted in an open-endedframe which is received by said body.
 35. A method of fitting a gamecall to a user's mouth, comprising: providing a game call comprising: abody having an outer thermoplastic portion, said body having a cutoutformed therein for facing outwardly towards the teeth when the body ispositioned in the mouth; and a flexible diaphragm positioned in thecutout under a predetermined tension and in a plane wherein inhaled andexhaled air passes across an exposed surface of the diaphragm forgenerating an audible oscillation; heating at least said body to aworking temperature at which said material is moldable; placing saidcall in said mouth while said body is at said working temperature sothat said outer portion is formed into a molded shape conforming to thehard palate of the mouth; and cooling said body such that said outerportion remains in said molded shape.
 36. The method of fitting a gamecall of claim 35 wherein said game call further includes a frame carriedby said body, said frame having an open side onto which said diaphragmis mounted.